OC3, OC12, OC48, OC 96

Some Definitions:

The Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) includes a set of signal rate multiples for transmitting digital signals on optical fiber. OC stands for Optical Carrier and the number following specifies the speed of the fiber optic networks conforming to the SONET standard. The base rate OC1 is 51.84 Mbps.

Fiber Optics is a technology that uses glass (or plastic) threads (fibers) to transmit data. A fiber optic cable consists of a bundle of glass threads, each of which is capable of transmitting messages modulated onto light waves.

Fiber optics has several advantages over traditional metal communication lines. They have a much greater bandwidth than metal cables. This means they can carry more data. They are less susceptible than metal cables to interference, and they are much thinner and lighter than metal wires. Data can be transmitted digitally rather than analogically over fiber optics.

OC3 is optical carrier (fiber) connected by equipment capable of speeds up to 155.5 Mbps. OC3 applications are used most often by large enterprises with greater bandwidth requirements or as an ISP backbone. An OC3 is the equivalent of 84 T1s or 3 T3s. OC3s can be burstable, which allows you to start small and increase your bandwidth as your needs grow. A Burstable OC3 is the ideal solution for customers who seek ultra-fast connectivity for their Internet needs. Select from 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140, or a full 155 Mbps of service.

OC12 is optical carrier (fiber) connected by equipment capable of speeds up to 622 Mbps. An OC12 is the equivalent of 4 OC3s or 414 T1s. An OC12 is the top-of-the-line for IP delivery over a point-to-point, leased line connection. A scalable solution, you can choose the bandwidth level you need today and still have room to expand in the future. With this bandwidth capacity, neither speed nor service will be compromised.

OC48 is optical carrier (fiber) connected by equipment capable of speeds up to 2.5 Gigabytes per second (Gbps). OC48 applications are used most often by large enterprises or as an ISP backbone. An OC48 is the equivalent of 4 OC12s.

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